After a ~0.3 mile walk to the trailhead, we ascend Bird Mountain through 14 switchbacks, past Castle Rock, east along the ridge to Lookout Tower Trail (mile 4.9). We continue east, then south for lunch at Tub Spring campsite (mile 7.9). Some of us might visit the Lookout Tower (extra 0.8 mile). After lunch, we go 0.25 mile north to North Old Mac Trail and follow it back to the parking lot. Total, ~11.1 miles, with ~2,500 ft. climb (rated Moderately Difficult).

[A shorter, alternative loop starts at the Bird Mountain Trail junction with Lookout Tower West Trail, heading southwest down to trailhead parking (~8.2 miles, ~1,850 ft. climb, rated Moderate).]

For carpooling meet at Books A Million in Oak Ridge ready to leave at 7:45 am. Drive 48 miles RT [@ 7¢ / mile = $3.36; OK to round up], or at Old Mac Trailhead parking, ready to hike at 8:30 am. Leader will meet at trailhead.